Page 104 of The One

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“I… I don’t know,” he groans, his head slumping forward.

“Really? You’re trying to tell me that ten crates simply disappeared while you were at sea?”

“There must have been a mistake on the manifest, a miscount somewhere. I swear I had nothing to do with it.”

“Hmm. So you’re suggesting we employ imbeciles who can’t count? Is that it?”

“No. I just…” The captain’s answer gets swallowed up by the loud groan when Rom delivers another blow.

Their ‘conversation’ fades into the background when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to see a message from my tailor that Mari’s dress has been purchased and is currently being delivered to Carloso. Good.

She’ll look stunning. I can’t wait to see her in it.

I can’t wait to seeher.

Our kiss replays in my mind for the umpteenth time since I left her at the gym.

What is it about her that has me so hooked?

I’ve been with plenty of women, but none has ever gotten under my skin like Mari has.

God, I really am like a teenager with his first crush.

Come to think of it, this might be my first crush. I can’t remember ever longing for a woman like I do for Mari.

Lust? I’ve experienced that plenty of times.

But this yearning? This constant thinking of her? It’s new.

And last night?

When we got attacked, I felt fear for the first time in a long time. For her.

I would have died for Mari.

Because a world without her in it is unimaginable.

Fuck.

I shoot up straighter, startling Rom, who throws me a curious glance. I motion for him to continue as I pace the back of the room.

My stomach knots itself and I’m suddenly buzzing all over.

I’ve never thought of a woman that way.

Ever.

But…

Does that mean…?

No, it can’t.

Bothpapàand Tiero knew straight away.

I’ve known Mari for years.

She can’t be…

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